I should not be surprised at any moment to receive tidings that he has landed." "And that is what they mean when they speak about the violets blooming again ?" "Yes, that is it.

And, do you know as I walked in the garden this morning I found this." He tossed the first tiny purple violet of the spring on the table before her.
"But he will be dead before the Emperor comes," murmured the woman, her hand upon her heart.
"Put that thought out of your mind, my child," said the old man.
"Think rather of Captain Yeovil." "I hate him," said the Countess, which was most unjust, for he had done nothing at all to deserve such an expression on her part.
"Hate is the passion of old age," said the Marquis slowly, "love that of youth.

I told you that my race would soon be run.

I am an old man.
I have suffered much.

I shall be content to die if I can serve my King here a little after all these years of weary waiting.